Traffic signal



E. LETOURNEAU. TRAFFIC SIGNAL. APPLICATION FILED 115041 1921.

Patented Aug 22, 1922.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I,

'E, LETOURNEAU.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL. 'AIPLICATION FILED 050,31; 19m.

Patented Aug. 22, 1922..

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

7 gwuznlfog EUGENE LETOURNEAU, OF SPRINGVALE, MAINE.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL. 5

specification of Letters Patent. Patrgnted Auo, 22, 1922 Application filed December 31', 1921. Serial No. 526,135.

To all LU/lOTIL it may concern:

Be it known that l, EUGENE LETQURNEAU, a citizen of the United States, residing at Springvale, in the county of York and State of Maine, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Traffic Signals, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to theaccompanyingdrawings.

It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a signal ofthis character for use in connection with automobiles for signal ling to the traffic. ofiicer in front and the chauffeur of an automobile at the rear simultaneously, so as to indicate the course the automobile intends to follow.

Another purpose is the provision of a traffic signal mounted upon the cap plug of the radiator, and held as extending laterally of the radiator under tension of a spring in the cap plug, thereby indicating stop, in combination with actuating means on the instrument board of the automobile operatively connecting with the signal for turning the signal or indicator from stop position to a positionindicating right, or to a position indicating forward, or to aposition indicating left turn.

Still another purpose is the provision of an improved means 'operatively connectinga portion of the connecting means between the actuator and the forward signal, and the rear signal, so that by the same pulling action of the actuating means, the rear sig nalor indicating arrow may be rocked to indicate stop, or danger and safety.

A further purpose is the provision of such connecting means between the rear signal and the actuating means, that it consists of areciprocating member operatively connected to a rotating rod, which carries the indicating arrow or signal, so as to position it to indicate stop or danger and safety at the rear. 4

Vhile the design and construction as present illustrated and set forth are deemed preferable.v it is obvious that as a result of a reduction of the invention to a more practical form for commercial purposes, the invention may be susceptible of changes, and the right to these changes is claimed, provided they are comprehended within the scope of what is claimed.

i in its movements;

The invention comprises further features and combination of parts, as will'be hereinafter set forth, shown in the drawings and claimed. v 9 l i In thedrawings v Figure l is a'diagrammatic view of a portion of an automobile, showing a part thereof in section and illustrating the forward trallic signal applied in elevation, and showing the forward signal extending straight ahead, to indicate forward travel, with the rear signal shownin end view, but in reality extending ina horizontal direction indicating safety;

ll igure 21s a perspective view, showing the diagraninnat c arrangement of the traffic and direction signals and the operative connections between them and theactuator, showing the "forward signal extending "horizontally at right angles toward the'sides in a plane with the radiator, indicating stop with the rearsignal likewise indicating stop; 1' l l igure 5 ator and'the forward signal;

the connection between the oscillating bar 25, which actuates the forward signal, and a rod which connects with the rear signal Figure Sis a sectional view through the cap plug of the radiator showing themouno ing of the forward signal shaft, illustrating it under tension of the spring; i 5

v Figure 6'is a sectional view on line 66 ofliigure fi; 1 V Figure 7 is a plan-view of the forward signal, showingthe four diflerentpositions of the indicator or arrow; 7 M v Figure 8 is an enlarged detail view of the operative connections between the pulling rod 83 and the rocking rod 51,,whei7eby the rear signal or indicator may actuate;

Figure '9 is an enlarged detail view in rear elevation showing the support for an extra tire and rim, illustrating thefrea'r sig nal applied, showing the two different positions of the indicator in full and dottet lines; a v Figure 10 is a view at right angles "to Figure 9'on line 1010 thereof;

Figure 11 is a detail the means for limiting, the rocking rod 51 p is an edge sectional view of a. portion of the COIlIlQCtlOl'lS between the actu-' perspective view of Figure 12 is an edge view of the structure shown in Figure 11 but at right angles thereof; 7

Figure 13 is a detail view of the connecting rods 51 and 83;

Figure 14 is a detail view of the actuator 38.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates the flange filling opening of the radiator 2 of an automobile and engaged within the flange of said opening is the threaded reduced portion 3 of the radiator plug cap. A false disc bottom 5 is secured in the plug cap by means of pins 6. Mounted in a bearing 7 of the center of the false disc bottom and in a bearing 8 of the top of the plug cap is a vertical stem or shaft 9, which carries the usual direction traffic signal 10. An upstanding stud 11 is mounted upon the false disc bottom, and fastened to the shaft or stem 9 is a pulley 12, about which the wire, cable or cord or the like 13 is wound and has one end (not shown) attached to the pulley or grooved wheel. This cable, wire or cord 13 passes through an opening 14 in the plug cap, and is adapted to be pulled for the purpose of rotating the stem or shaft 9. The pulley or grooved wheel 12 has an extension sleeve 15, about ,which a coil spring 16 is wound. One end of the spring is connected at 17 to the sleeve and its other end to an upstanding post 18. The grooved wheel or pulley has a radial arm 19 which bears against a pin 20 to limit the tra'liic signal 10 in its normal horizontal position laterally of the radiator as in Figure 1, by means of the tension of the coil spring 16. When the cable, cord or wire 13 is pulled, the stem or shaft 9 is rotated against the action of the spring 16, as the signal 10 turns from stop position shown in .Figures 2 and 7, to either a right turn, forward or left turn position, then when the pull upon the cable, wire or cord 13 is relieved, the spring returns the stem or shaft 9, until the abutment pin 19 contacts with the upstanding pin 20, which limits the signal to stop position.

A depending bracket strip 21 is mounted in a suspended position on a rod 22 by means of the clamp or holding plate 23. This rod 22 extends from the forward part or dash of the body of the automobile and connects with the radiator, as shown clearly in Figure 2. Pivoted at 24 to the lower end of the depending bracket strip is a rocking lever or link 25. Connected to the rocking lever or link 25 is the right angle end 26 of a rod 27. A tensioned coil spring 28, is connected at 29 to the supporting rod 22. A rod 30 is connected to the rocking link or lever 25, and in turn has a turn-buckle 31 connected to it. This turn-buckle is in turn connected to a rod 32, which has an eye 33 to which a wire, cable or cord 34 is secured.

eas es The cord, cable or wire 34 has a hook 35, which in turn connects to the wire, cable or cord 13.

Connected to the rod 27 by means of a turn-buckle 36 (to which the other end of the spring 28 is connected) is a rod 37, which in turn is connected. to a slide bar 38. In order that the traffic signal may be applied to different makes of automobiles, wherein the distance between the instrument board, the dash and the radiator varies, the rods 22 and 27 at present shown may be, adjusted by means of turn-buckles, or longer or shorter rods substituted. One end of the slide bar has a head or hand grip 39, by which the operator or chauffeur may pull the slide bar through the guide opening of the plate 40, which is fastened upon the instrument board 41 of the automobile. The slide bar is provided with a plurality of notches 42, 43 and 44, to engage the lower end edge of the guide opening 45 of the plate 40. The construction and arrangement of the slide bar or actuator 38 and its connections with the trailic'signal such, that when the slide bar or actuator is in the position shown in Figure 2, with the shoulder 46 of the actuator in contact with the'guide plate 40, the traiiic signal assumes a horizontal position transversely of the radiator, thereby indicating stop.

However when the actuator or slide bar is pulled so that the notch 42 may engage the lower edge of the guide opening 45, the oscillating link or lever is moved against the action'of the spring 28, thereby pulling upon the rods 30, 32 and 13, hence rotating the shaft or pin 9 to position the direction signal so as to extend to indicate a right turn, as in Figure 7 A further movement of the slide bar or actuator so that the notch 43 will engage the lower edge of the guide opening 45, will move the direction signal to extend straight ahead, indicating that the automobile is traveling forward. This position is main tained as long as the vehicle is on a straight course.

When it is desired to indicate left turn, the slide bar or actuator 38 may be further pulled, until the notch 44 engages the lower edge of the guide opening 45, in which case a further pull will be imparted on the connections to the shaft or pin 9, thereby movthe trafiic signal to left turn position.

li iounted upon the bottom of the body (not shown) of an automobile in a suitable location preferably to one side of the center thereof are brackets 4"? and '48, in bearings 49 and 50 of which a rotating or rocking rod 51 is mounted. The bracket 47 is formed by folding a single strip of sheet metal upon itself to form the bearing 49, and the two parts of the strip of metal are brought together as shown clearly in Figlike52. The opposite parts ures 11 and 12 and are fastened to the body of the automobile by suitable screws or the of the strip of metal are slotted as at 53, through which a screw 54 engages in order to be engaged by a thumb nut 55. By means ofthe screw 54 bracket 56 is secured'to the bracket 47. This bracket 56 terminates in a curved arm 57. The bracket 56 and its arm are provided with shoulders 58 and 59,- with which the lateral pin or arm 60 engages. This arm 60 is carried by the rocking or rotating shaft 51, and when the arm or pin 60 engages either one of the shoulders 58 and 59, it depending upon the direction the shaft 51 is being rocked, the shaft is limited in its movements in either direction. The shaft 51 comprises the two sections 61 and 69, connected by a suitable turn-buckle 63, so that the shaft may be lengthened or shortened, according to what may be'desired, so that the apparatus may be applied to automobiles having different wheel bases. While the turn-buckle 68 is utilized for lengthening or shortening the shaft 51, it is obvious that longer or shorter shaft sections may be substituted for those illustrated. In other words any suitable length of shaft sections 61 and 62 may be used, in order to apply the apparatus to auto mobiles of different lengths. The section 61 of the shaft 51 is mountedin an additional bearing 61, which depends from a cross piece 65 of a conventional form of tire holder 66. The rear end ofthe section 61 of the shaft 51 carries a rear traffic signal or indicator 67. On some automobiles the rear danger red light is carried by the usual holder for extra tires, and on some others the red danger light or signal is carried upon the extreme left of the rear" of thev car, not upon the holder forithe extra tire.

lVhen applyingthe rear signal or indicator on automobiles whose red danger signal is mounted on the holder for the extra tires, the trallic signal or indicator 6"? is placed so that it may point toward the red light, something similar to that shown in Figure 9, so that by means of the trafiic signal Or indicator 6?, danger directions are given, so that an automobile following may be driven cautiously and thereby avoid accidents. However on those automobiles whose red or danger light is not in a position to be pointed to by the indictor or traffic signal 67 as in Figure 9, it is the aim to mount on the frame of the holder for extra tires a strip 68 by means of the screw 69,, and mounted upon this strip 68 is a red disc or enlargement 70', which is in a position on the carrier for the extra tire, so that the direction or traffic signal 67 may point thereto, as in Figure 9, thereby indicating danger or stop.

It will be noted that the signal at the rear. is' designed to have two positions, for

instance a horizontal position, and a position wherein the signalor indicator 67 is pointingto the danger signal or red light. The object of this is to avoid the many accidents, which occur, due to the of signals, as well as incorrectly giving the signals.

in fact it is the aim of the present irivention to have the rearslgnals pointing 1n a horizontal directionat all times whenthe automobile is traveling straight ahead, and there is no intention on the part of the chauffeur to turn to the right or the left, and while the signal or indicator is in such a horizontal positiom'the driver or chauffeur of the following automobile may operate his car accordingly, to keep in a proper distance to the rear of the automobile infront, until it is desired to pass the automobile in front. The purpose of the lndicater at the rear inthe present invention, is to have it point to the red light or danger indication at the rear, as in Figure 2, when it 1s the intention of the chauffeur or driver of the automobile to turn to the right or the left, thereby indicating to the chauf- 'dieation or signal of danger in the absence of directions as to the right or the left, will at all times'cause the chauffeur or driver of the following. automobile to operate at.

a moderate speed and cautiously thereby avoiding numerable accidents.

i lhen the rod 51 is rotated inthe direc 7 tion of the arrow at, the direction or' traffic signal may be turned-from a horizontal position to a position pointing to the danger or red light ?O, in which case the arm 60 will contact with the shoulder 59 and limit the movement of the shaft 51, holding the indicator or pointer 67 in a position point- I inp; toward the red light 70. I i

The forward part ofthe shaft 51 has a right angle arm 71, to which asleeve is secured by a suitable thumb screw. A bracket 74 is fastened to the bottom of the body of the automobile-in any suitable location, preferably to one side thereof, and pivotally mounted at'Z5 between the sides of the depending part of the'braclret is a bell crank lever 76. Connected to the long arm 77 of the lever is a coil spring- 7S',which in'turn is connected to a screw T 9, which is carried'bythesleeve SO. I i i The short arm of the bell ceives a lateral end 81 of a pull rod. 83, and

crank lever re-- misreading I secured on the late 211 end 81 by means of a I spring S6is connectedtothe-long arm of;

retain:

the bell. crank lever, and in turn connected to the upper partof the bracket 7 1 so as to tension the bell crank lever.

The rod comprises two sections 89 and 90, connected by the turn-buckle 91. The section 90 is guided under a grooved wheel 92, which is mounted on a bracket 93, which is carried in any suitable manner and in any suitable location on the bottom of the body of the automobile. While the link or rocklever 25 is illustrated as operating on a horizontal pivot, so as to swing forwardly and rearwardly, it is obvious that the lever can be disposed to operate on a cable, which will tend to operate the rod in a direction longitudinally of the automobile to one side of the center thereof. However in order to accommodate the connections between the rocking lever or link and the bell crank lever 76, it is obvious that the rod 83 may be provided with offset portion or bend, so that it may connect the bell crank lever,

when the link or oscillating lever 25 ismounted to oscillate on a horizontal pivot.

The section 99 of the rod 83 is connected pivotally in any suitable manner at 9 1- to the connecting rods 95 and 96, which pass through. seeves 9? and 98, which are swivelly mounted in any suitable manner upon the ends ,of the link or lever 25.. Suitable collars 99 and 100 are fastened on the e:-:treinities of the rods 95 and 96 to hold them in engagement with the sleeves 97 and 98.

W hen the automobile is traveling straigh ahead the forward signal or indicator 10 as sunies a position extending straight ahead, and in this case the notch 43 is in engagement with the lower end of the guide opening 45 of the plate 10. The rear signal or indicator is extending in a horizontal direc tion., When the two indicators are so arranged, the link or lever 25 assumes sul e stantially a vertical position, with the collars 99 and 100 in engagement with the swiveled sleeves 97 and 98, as in Fig. 1.

l vhen it is desired to turn to the right the actuator 38 is pulled sufficiently to re lease the notch 43 from engagement with the lower end of the guide opening 45, then the pulling action on the actuator is partially relieved sufficiently to permit the notch 42 to engage the lower end of the guide opening 45. The spring 28 will pull. upon the rod 27, and cause the link or lever 25 to tilt, so that the upper arm of said link or lever 25 will pull. upon the rod 95, which will in turn pull upon the rod 83, and cause the bell crank lever 76 to tilt downwardly, thereby rocking the rod 51, causing the rear signal to point toward the danger signal or red light. /Vhen the two signals are thus positioned, the forward one indieating right turn, and the rear one indicating danger, and the chauffeur desires to stop the-automobile, the actuator is again pulled sufficiently to disengage the notch 42 from the lower end of the guide opening 45, relieving the pullin action upon the aztuator, allowing the tension spring 28 to further pull upon the rod 27, and cause the link or lever 25 to further tilt in the same direction as before; An additional pulling action will be imparted upon the rod 83, and thereby additionally rock the bell crank lever downwardly, stretching the spring 78, still maintainingthe rear indicator or signal arrow 67 in a position pointing toward the danger or red light signal 7 0.

"When the spring 28 pulls upon the rod 27, the tension upon the cables (which operati cly connect the forward signal and the lever or link 25), cause them to take up, and since the forward signal is under tension, it will turn in a direction toward the right. The first action of the spring 28 allows the forward ignal to turn to the right, in a plane extending substantially 45, indicating right turn. The second time the spring 28 is permitted to pull upon the rod 27, the

forward signal turns to a position extending directly horizontally, in a plane parallel with the radiator, indicating stop.

V hen the forward indicator is arranged in a position extending straight ahead, and is the desire of the chauffeur to turn the automobile to the left, a pulling action is imparted upon the actuator sufficiently to cause the notch 1 to engage the lower end of the guide opening 45, which will cause the upper end of the lever or link 25 to tilt rearwardly, allowing the lower sleeve 98 to abut the collar or sleeve 100, pull upon the rod 96, which in turn will pull upon the rod tilt the bell crank lever 76 against the action of the spring 87, and also pull against the spring 78 and the arm 71 of the rod 51, causing the rod 51 to rock. This rod 51 will rock in the direction of the arrow 64, and cause the indicator 6'? to move to a position extending toward the danger signal or red light, thereby indicating safety. The idea of indicating safety is to notify the chauffeur of the automobile at the rear, that it is the intention of the chaufleur of the automobile in front to turn to the right or the left.

When the actuator is pulled sufiiciently to cause the notch 44: to engage the lower end of the guide opening 45, the spring 28 is put under tension, and furthermore the rock ing lever or link 25 will pull upon the cab e connections between said lever and the forward indicator, thereby moving the forward indicator from a position indicating forward, to position of 45 toward the left, indicating left turn.

The invention having been set forth, what is claimed as being useful is:

1. In a traffic signal, an indicator mounted for swinging movement in a horizontal plane,

a stem rotatably mounted in the cap plug of the radiator and carrying said indicator, tension means for holding said stem normally in a position, whereby the indicator extends laterally of the radiator for indicating stop, said tension means being mounted in the cap plug of the radiator, actuating means, means operatively connecting the actuating means and the tension means in the cap plug for rotating the same, rear traflic sig'nal mounted for swinging movement in a direc tion laterally of the automobile, and means connecting the rear signal and said operative connecting means between the actuator and said tension means, whereby the rear signal may swing to give a signal corresponding to certain of those given by the forward indicator. i

2. In a traffic signal for automobiles, a rear indicator mounted for swinging movement in a vertical plane laterally of the automobile, a rocking shaft carrying said indicator, a single pull actuating means, a pull rod operatively connected to the rocking shaft for imparting a rocking movement thereto, and in turn operatively connected to the single actuating means, whereby the rear signal may be swung to indicate stop or forward travel, a forward signal, and means operatively connecting said forward signal and said single actuating means for operating the forward signal.

3. In a traffic signal for automobiles, a rear indicator mounted for swinging movement in a vertical plane laterally of the automobile, a rocking shaft carrying said indicator, a single pull actuating means, a pull rod operatively connected to the rocking shaft for imparting a rocking movement thereto, an oscillating link operatively connected to the pull rod, and means connecting said single actuating pull means for oscillat ing the link, whereby rocking movement may be imparted to the rock shaft, thereby swinging the indicator, a forward signal, and means operatively, connecting said forwardsignal and said single pull actuating means.

4. In a traffic signal for automobiles, a rear indicator mounted for swinging movement in a direction laterally of the automo bile, a rocking shaft carrying said indicator, a single pull actuating means, a pull rod operatively connected to the rocking shaft for imparting a rocking movement thereto, an oscillating link operatively connected to the pull rod, and means connecting said single actuating pull means for oscillating the link, whereby rocking movement may be imparted to the rock shaft, thereby swinging the indicator, a forward indicator mounted on the radiator for swinging in a horizontal plane, and means connecting said forward indicator and said oscillating link, means for returning the forward indicator to normal position when pulling action is relieved on the single actuating pull means.

5. in a trafiic signal for automobiles, a rear indicator mounted for swinging movement in a direction laterally of the automobile, a rocking shaft'carrying said indicator, a single pull actuating means, a pull rod operatively connected to the rocking. shaft for imparting a rocking movement thereto, an oscillating link operatively connected to the pull'rod, and means connecting said single actuating pull means for oscillating the link, whereby rocking movement, may be imparted to the rock shaft, thereby swinging the indicator, a forward indicator mounted on the radiator for swinging in a horizontal 5 plane, and means, connecting said forward indicator and said oscillating link, means for returning the forward indicator to normal position when pulling action'is relieved on the single actuating pull means, andwhereby the rear indicator may belimited in its stop'position or its left turn position, a

forward signal,.and means operatively connecting said forward signal and said' single pull actuating means.

7. In a traflic signal rear indicator mounted for swinging move.- ment in a vertical plane laterally of the automobile, a rocking shaft carrying said indicater, a single pull actuating means, a pull for automobiles, a

rod operatively connected to the rocking shaft for imparting a rocking movement thereto, an oscillatinglink operatively connected to the pull rod, and means connecting said single actuatingpull means for oscillating the link, whereby rocking movement may be imparted to the rock shaft, thereby I swinging the indicator, means for limiting the rocking shaft in 1ts rockingmovements, whereby the rearindicator maybe limited 1n stop position or its forward indicatingposition, a forward signal, and means operatively connecting said forward signal and said single pull actuating means. a

8. In a traffic signal for automobiles, a rear indicator mounted for swinging mover ment in a vertical direction laterally of the automobile, a rocking shaft extending longitudinally of the automobile and mounted in bearings thereof and carrying said indicator, a bracket in bearings of which said shaft is mounted, said bracket having an arcuate portion provided with spaced shoulders, an on said shaft swinging upon said arcuate portion and adapted to contact with said shoulders to limit the movement of the shaft, whereby the indicator may be limited in a position to indicate stop, or in a horizontal position to indicate forward travel, said shaft having an arm at one end, an oscillatory link yieldably connected to said last mentioned arm for rocking said shaft, and means for actuating said oscillatory member, and a forward indicator for indicating stop, .forward, right and left turn, and operatively connected with said last named means, whereby said forward indicator .nay be turned to any one of its indicating positions.

9. In a traffic signal for automobiles, a rocking shaft arranged longitudinally of the automobile and mounted in bearings thereof, a rear indicator rockable with said shaft in a lateral direction of the automobile, and adapted to indicate stop or forward travel, said shaft having a lateral arm, an oscillatory spring tensioned element jYlelCltlbly connected with said arm for rocking said shaft, means for actuating said element, a forward signal, and means connecting said actuating means and said forward signal for operating the latter.

1(). In a traflic signal for automobiles, a rocking shaft arranged longitudinally of the automobile and mounted in bearings there of, a rear indicator rockable with said shaft in a direction laterally of the automobile, and adapted to indicate stop or forward travel, said shaft having a lateral arm, an oscillatory spring tensioned element yieldably connected with said arm for rocking said shaft, and means for actuating said ele ment, a forward signal adapted to swing in a horizontal plane for indicating stop, forward, right and left turn, and operatively connected with said last mentioned means, whereby both indicators may be operated simultaneously.

11. In a trafiic signal for automobiles, a support connecting the radiator and the dash of the automobile, a forward indicator adapted to swing in a horizontal position to indicate stop, forward, right and left turn, means for mounting said indicator on the radiator cap, an oscillatory lever pivotally mounted on said support, means connected to said lever and yieldably connected to the supporting means of the forward indicator, whereby upon movement of said oscillatory lever, said forward indicator may be moved to indicate either stop, forward, right or left turn, spring tensioned means for said le ver, means operatively connected to said lever for actuating the same against the action of its spring tensioned means, for moving said indicator, a rear signal, and means connecting said oscillatory lever and the rear signal for operating the latter.

12. In a traffic signal for automobiles, support connecting the radiator and the dash of the automobiles, a. forward indito actuate said indicator, a rear indicator for indicating stop or forward travel, and means operatively connecting said rear indicator and said oscillatory lever, whereby upon operating said lever actuating means both indicators may actuate simultaneously.

13. In a traffic signal for automobiles, a support connecting the radiator and the dash of the automobile, a forward indicator adapted to swing in a horizontal position to indicate stop, forward, right and left turn, means for mounting said indicator on the radiator cap, an oscillatory lever pivotally mounted on said support, means connected to said lever and yieldably connected to the supporting means of the forward indicator,

whereby upon movement of said oscillatory lever, said forward indicator may be moved to indicate either stop, forward, right or left turn, and means operatively connected to said lever for moving the same, to actuate said indicator, a rear indicator for indicating stop or forward travel, and means operatively connecting said rear indicator and said oscillatory lever, whereby upon operating said lever actuating means both indicators may actuate simultaneously, a rear indicator adapted to swing in a vertical plane laterally of the automobile, means operatively connecting said rear indicator and said oscillatory lever, whereby upon movement of said lever actuating means both in dicators may operate simultaneously.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature.

EUGENE LEToURNEAU; 

